ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21246, 17 October 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT'S PROGRAMMES

CIVIC THEATRE The New York of golden splendour is the background for the fascinating story of Lillian Russell, America’s first and greatest glamour girl. She holds the spotlight again in “Lillian Russell,” featuring Alice Faye, Don Ameche and Henry Fonda. The amazing life and loves of Lillian Russell were headline news in her day, and the picture makes it easy to realise why the actress was so famous and the songs of her day so popular. The songs sung in the picture include “After the Ball is Over,” “Rosie, You Are My Posie,” “My Evening Star.” “Adored One” and the new song, “Blue Love Bird.” Lillian Russell numbered Diamond Jim Brady and Jesse Lewisohn, two of the wealthiest men of her era, among her admirers. Women envied her and tried to be like her—men became famous just by being seen with her. Alice Faye gives a great performance in the title role, and Don Ameche and Henry Fonda are also very convincing. In strong supporting roles are Edward Arnold (as Diamond Jim Brady), Warren William, Leo Carrillo, Helen Westley, Dorothy Peterson, Ernest Truex, Weber and Fields, Eddie Foy, junior, and Una O'Connor. “The Battle of Britain” is an intensely interesting film, showing thrilling incidents in the war, including attacks on convoys, preparations in Britain, work of the Royal Navy, battles in the air, etc.

REGENT THEATRE “U-Boat 29,” a highly topical picture in view of the British Navy’s successes, is very exciting. The story is based on J. Storer Clouston’s famous novel, which relates the attempt of an enemy submarine commander to obtain from an alleged spy information concerning the movements of the British fleet. How the attempt is foiled by the counteractivities of a British naval officer and a village schoolmistress, is told in amazingly thrilling style. Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson play the leading roles. “DR. KILDARE’S STRANGE CASE” “Dr Kildare’s Strange Case,” to be screened tomorrow, has just as great an appeal as the other pictures in the same series. Everything that is done in the line of medicine in this hospital drama is explained, not in lecture form, but as part of the story, STATE THEATRE “Gold Diggers in Paris” is a sparkling production, with its melodious music, its merry humour, Us charming romance, its clever dances, and its lovely girls. Its diverting situations and witty dialogue keep the audience in a hilarious mood, while its cast of stars do excellent work and keep the ball rolling at a fast pace. It is all very gay and spectacular. “Mystery House,” as its title implies, is a film of a very different kind and equally entertaining. It is a thrilling mystery drama, with the tense interest of the audience held throughout. Before the mystery is solved many exciting things happen, while the sensational climax is very impressive. Dick Purcell and Ann Sheridan fill the romantic leads perfectly.

THEATRE ROYAL “Blondes for Danger” is an exciting and amusing comedy, with Gordon Harker as a cabman. One night an attractive blonde hails his cab and asks him to take her to Hendron, and then presents him with an ultimatum—to Berry Woods or no fare. There is an exciting climax. How an amateur detective can outwit one of Europe’s wiliest international spies is told in “Bulldog Drummond’s Revenge,” with John Howard again in the title role. “GREEN HELL” “Green Hell,” a thrilling story of the Soutth American jungle, will be screened tomorrow. Douglas Fairbanks and Joan Bennett have the romantic leads. ROXY THEATRE “Professor Mamlock.” a Russian film, vividly demonstrates the ruth- j less intolerance of the Nazi regime [ by recounting the persecution of a 1 brilliant professor of surgery, j whose only crime in Nazi eyes is j that he is a Jew. Something | also shown of the manner in which j all criticism of the Government has i been driven underground and of the j terrible risks willingly faced by j lovers of freedom in maintaining j adherence of their beliefs. “Going Places,” with Dick Powell j and Anita Louise heading the cast, \ is a hilarious farce whose action is j interspersed with tuneful songs, in- ! eluding “Jeepers Creepers,” “Mutiny ! in the Nursery,” and “Say It With a I Kiss.” “DAD RUDD, M.P.” L “Dad Rudd, M.P..” the amusing • Australian film, and “Get Along, Little Dogies,” with Gene Autry, will ; be screened tomorrow.